Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Waiter, there's an "I" in my eye

Why oh why
Do we use I
So much?
I just want pie
But not in my eye.

And, that, my friends, is why I don't write poetry.  You're welcome.

But I DO think we use the word "I" too much.   I just can't make a very good poem out of it. 

Have you ever noticed that when someone asks you how you're doing, and you start to answer that they cut you off?   Sometimes it's done in a ninja sort of way, so you don't even realize what happened until your head is spinning from tales of "what I did on my summer vacation" or  from hearing the not so interesting (and mostly gross) details of their gall bladder surgery.   And you kind of go, "Wait?!  What just happened?"   But sometimes it's just like, "Yeah, whatever.  Now let me tell you about ME."   If it happens like that, then I think it's probably okay to pretend that you have to go to the bathroom, or have a fake coughing fit.  Anything.   Just walk away.   Quickly.    

There are, however, those rare and wonderful people who really do want to know how you are when they  ask you.  No ulterior motive.  They really want to know.   If you have one of those people in your life, don't ever let them go.   Seriously.  Tie them up.  Lock them in a closet.   Whatever you have to do.  Just don't let them go.

Unfortunately, though, it's been my experience that more people are the "I" kind of people than the "you" kind.    Or maybe I just need to hang out with different people.   And if I am that kind of people, you'll tell me, right? 



36 comments:

  1. Boy, that is all too true and sad. It's too bad we can't stop and listen to ourselves and hear how selfish we sound sometimes. I'm going to try to take "I" out of my vocabulary just a little bit more. Good reminder, thanks!!

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    1. Well, I wasn't talking about YOU. You're one of those who I would tie up and put in the closet :)

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  2. When some one ask how are you; and they are not close friends, I figure they don't really want to know. I am at the age where I have some things to talk about when asked that question. Don't ask if you don't want to know.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

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    1. That's exactly what I think - - if you don't want to know, don't ask. I won't be offended by you not asking :)

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  3. Do you think they'd still want to know how you are if you tied them up in a closet? LOL!

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    1. Well, you just burst my bubble, Sherry. Thanks a lot! hahahaha

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  4. Not sure that tying them up and stuffing them in the closet is the best way to go. But I get what you're saying. The art of listening is a gift. Everyone seems to do pretty well at the talking thing. The listening thing... not so much.

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    1. Okay, that's two strikes against the closet thing. I thought it was a pretty good idea, but maybe I should rethink it.

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  5. Great post on "I" I think you nailed it really well. Thank you for following me and stopping by my blog. I really will enjoy getting to know you.
    Blessings

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    1. Thanks for coming by! Look forward to the rest of the month (and beyond) :)

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  6. A nice reminder to remember it is "all about ME"

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    1. I'm guilty, I need to be a better listener :)

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  8. "I" agree with you but "I" hope "I'm" one of the people who really cares!! XO

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    1. You strike me as exactly that kind of person :)

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  9. 'I' recently had an experience like that, where the person asks how you are, then their eyes glaze over when you don't give the usual, "good" response.
    I have one of those friends who really, truly wants to know how you are. I treasure every moment with her and aspire to be like her. (Though, I fail most of the time.)

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    1. I always have to remind myself to "listen" . . . I desire to be that kind of friend also :)

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  10. Well, this old blogger likes to write about his wife, but she doesn't like to be the subject of this blogger's posts, so what's a fellow to do? [Hint: Try listening to Judy...]

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    1. when i first read your comment i thought you said "this old booger." hahaha. I think you should write about her anyway because she is amazing!

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    2. Annie doesn't like me writing about her illness. Now she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, as well as the other. The prognosis is very good, and she fights the good battle every day of her life. This old goat fights alongside her.

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    3. I am so sorry. I was telling my sister about you guys today and how awesome you are - hang in there, you old goat :)

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  11. My friends who are in the closet rarely talk about themselves. As for the others... oh boy! ;-)

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    1. Maybe if I were more interesting, I would talk more about myself :)

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  12. My sister has complained about this very thing to me. They ask, but really don't want to know. I do know a couple of brothers that ask and seem to get annoyed if you just use the general OK or fine because they really want to know. They are good people.

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  13. I've heard it told and rightly so, to listen to others is the way to go. They've plenty to say, when given the chance. Should the opportunity happen, they'll do a happy dance:)

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  14. Ok! I'm new here, but I already joined your blog because I LOVE YOUR STYLE! Thanks for stopping by my blog today, and thanks for writing in such a lovely, creative, funny style! I have to agree with everything here. I find it fascinating how many people will ask you about yourself and listen just... long... enough... to interrupt and begin talking about themselves. haha It's really amusing. Great blog topic!

    Dana at Waiter, drink please!

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    1. Dana, thanks for your nice comments! Happy to "meet" you :)

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  15. When I think someone's going to do that to me, I generally try to make something so outrageous up that they can't help but keep listening.

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  16. I never could understand why someone would ask how you're doing if they really aren't interested. Why not just wish them a good morning instead?

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  17. I know I find myself sometimes stopping to listen or direct conversations toward someone else other than myself. I get tired of the I word sometimes as well. And by the way, your poem was great! :)

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  18. Wanted to leave a comment sooner but had a hard time figuring out how to do it without using "I." ;)

    Seriously, having someone ask and then not listen is more annoying than not having them ask at all.

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